Innate and Adaptive Immunity in the Pathogenesis of Atherosclerosis

This review considers critically the evidence for the involvement of mediators of innate and acquired immunity in various stages of atherosclerosis. Rapidly mobilized arms of innate immunity, including phagocytic leukocytes, complement, and proinflammatory cytokines, contribute to atherogenesis. In addition, adaptive immunity, with its T cells, antibodies, and immunoregulatory cytokines, powerfully modulates disease activity and progression. Atherogenesis involves cross talk between and shared pathways involved in adaptive and innate immunity. Immune processes can influence the balance between cell proliferation and death, between synthetic and degradative processes, and between pro- and antithrombotic…

• AH
  American Heart Association
• FL
  Fondation Leducq

  Award: HL-34636
• H
  Hjärt-Lungfonden
• NI
  National Institutes of Health